The current research examines an inter-organizational relationship structure that has not received much attention in prior studies: inter-organizational implantation. This phenomenon is explored in this dissertation using a three-paper format. Each paper is a separate empirical study which examines a unique aspect of such relationships. Although the dissertation specifically addresses the use of inter-organizational implants in logistics service provider (LSP) - customer relationships, the use of inter-organizational implants extends to other applications. The findings from each of the empirical studies should be considered when examining these applications, as well. Dyadic data used in the analysis were collected from 298 inter-organizational implants and 81 dyads, consisting of implants and representatives of their respective customers.

The first paper examines the impact that inter-organizational implants have on the relationship commitment of buyers and sellers at the organizational level. The research specifically examines the roles of outcome interdependence and responsiveness in the development of relationship commitment. The findings show that while outcome interdependence positively impacts the commitment of the LSP to the customer, it does not significantly impact the commitment of the customer to the LSP. Gaining the commitment of the customer was show to result from the implant's ability to develop relational capital with the customer.

The second paper considers the individual commitment of the inter-organizational implant. Specifically, the research examines the affective commitment of the implant to his/her employer, i.e. the LSP, and to the customer. The research posits that as the implant builds relational capital with the customer and perceives greater levels of support from the customer, he/she will feel greater levels of commitment to the customer. Similarly, the research proposes that as the implant spends more time engaged in face-to-face communication with the LSP, he/she is likely to perceive greater levels of support and, therefore, display greater commitment toward the LSP. The findings from the study indicate that implants can develop greater levels of affective commitment to their customers by building relational capital with the customer. However, the study did not support a relationship between inter-organizational implantation and face-to-face communication with the LSP.

The final paper examines the role of the implant in the development of new processes and services within the customer's logistics operation. Specifically, the research proposes that as implants build relationships and exchange knowledge across organizational boundaries, innovation performance increases. The results of the analysis provide support for the use of inter-organizational implants to improve innovation performance in logistics operations.